Former Auburn RB's uncle disputes grade change report

Apr. 4, 2013
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Auburn wide receiver Darvin Adams (89) and Auburn running back Michael Dyer (5) celebrate after Dyer big run play in the final seconds during second half action in the BCS National Championship Game in 2011. / USA TODAY Sports via the Montgomery Advertiser

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

by George Schroeder, USA TODAY Sports

The uncle of former Auburn running back Michael Dyer said Thursday that contrary to a published report, his nephew was never in danger of academic ineligibility while at the school.

In a story by Roopstigo.com which alleges NCAA violations including potential academic fraud during the Tigers' run to the 2010 national championship, Dyer was mentioned as one of "as many as nine" Auburn players who were academically ineligible and wouldn't be able to play in the 2011 BCS Championship game.

"We thought we would be without Mike Dyer because he said he was one of them, but Auburn found a way to make those dudes eligible," said former Auburn player Mike Blanc, according to roopstigo.com. (According to a Rivals.com report, Blanc denied he said it.)

Dyer, then a freshman, was named the game's MVP. He could not be reached Thursday, but Andre Dyer disputed the account, saying when he heard the allegation, he called his nephew.

"He was not academically ineligible for the BCS Championship game," Andre Dyer told USA TODAY Sports. "I don't think he was even close."

Andre Dyer said Michael Dyer told him: " 'Unc,' my freshman year was my best year academically at Auburn. I passed 33 hours." And he said: "The records will show he was not academically ineligible either year (at Auburn)."

Michael Dyer left Auburn in January 2012 after he was suspended for breaking unspecified team rules. He later testified in court that his .45 pistol was used without his permission by four former teammates â?? including Mike McNeil, the focus of the Rooptsigo.com article â?? in a robbery.

After transferring to Arkansas State in 2012, Michael Dyer was dismissed from the program by then-coach Gus Malzahn (who's now the head coach at Auburn). He is attending Arkansas Baptist College in pursuit of an associate's degree, with a goal of returning to an FBS-level school to play football next fall.

The more important goal, according to Andre Dyer and as detailed by USA TODAY Sports last September, was for his nephew to grow as a man. He has been undergoing personalized mentorship program with officials at Arkansas Baptist.